Sexual Positioning

Sexual Positioning Following Total Hip Replacement

Missionary Position – This is generally a comfortable position for either a male or female with a new hip. The female assumes the bottom position. If she has a new hip, she can bend her knees slightly with her feet on the bed. Pillows can be used to support the legs on the outside. If the male has a new hip, he can stretch his legs out behind him. He can place a pillow between his knees to keep his operative leg from crossing the midline of the body. He supports his weight with his arms.

Face-To-Face Position – This position can be used for either a male or female. The person with the new joint is on the bottom and can recline on pillows propped behind the back. A female can bend her knees slightly with her feet on the bed. A male can put a pillow between his knees to keep the operative leg from crossing the midline of the body.

Sitting Position – This position can be used for either a male or female. In all cases, the male sits on the chair with his knees pointing away from the midline of his body and his feet on the floor. The female sits on his lap. She must be able to have her feet planted on the floor, particularly if she has a new joint. She must avoid leaning too far forward to prevent the hip from bending more than 90 degrees.

Kneeling Position – This position can be used for either a male or female. The female with a new hip lies on her back with her buttocks near the edge of the bed. Feet must be firmly planted on the floor with knees pointing away from the midline of the body. If the male has a new hip, he can assume the position of kneeling in front of his partner. For comfort, he can use pillows under his knees. He must keep his back straight and avoid leaning over his partner to prevent the hip from bending more than 90 degrees.

Side Lying Positions – This position can be used for either a male or female. In the spoon position, the person with a new hip can lie on either side. For a female with a new hip, pillows can be used to support the upper leg. A male with a new hip can drape his upper leg over his partner.

Other Side Lying Positions – This position can be used for a female with a new hip. With her partner on his side, she can lie on her back and drape both legs over his body, with legs apart to keep the operative leg from crossing the midline of the body. The female can also lie on her back and drape her non-operative upper leg over her partner’s body.

Other Side Lying Positions – The partners can also face each other. The person with a new hip can lie on either side. The upper leg can be draped over the partner’s legs.

Standing Position – This position works for either a male or female. If the female has the new joint, she should lean on something firm and stay fairly upright to avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees. If the male has the new joint, he should also avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees.

Following total hip replacement, safe resumption of sexual relations can be satisfying and fulfilling. Attention to proper positioning and comfort will enhance the return to intimacy.